A pensioner was hit over the head with a machete in an attempted robbery in his home at a block of flats in Stockport .

The 67-year-old was left needing hospital treatment after the attack on Saturday afternoon at Durham House, in Edgeley , a known trouble spot in the area.

Two men had forced their way into his flat and demanded he handed over his phone and cash.

And when he refused one of the thugs produced a machete. During a scuffle the victim has punched in the face and hit with the machete on his back and head.

He was taken to hospital for treatment for a two inch cut to his head. Although the machete had sliced through three layers of clothes his back was uninjured and he has now been discharged from hospital.

The two crooks fled empty handed and police , who were called to the address at 2.45pm, are investigating and have appealed for witnesses.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the public.

Inspector Neil Cook, from the west area neighbourhood police, said: “When people are carrying a meat cleaver around in broad daylight, even if it is concealed people can notice.

“This could have been much worse for the victim and we have put additional resources into the area.

“While there is nothing to suggest there is any danger to the wider public we hope these additional resources will reassure the community.”

It had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and frequently been the location for incidents that have ended in criminal proceedings, such as violence, intimidation and drug use, which left other residents in fear.

Reports of trouble had included verbal abuse, threats, theft, large groups congregating and alcohol misuse.